LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Cliap.-_..... Copyright No. 

Shell_B.j?. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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BLOOMINGTON, ILL. 
1899. 



tCCQNn oc»v. 




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42151 



COPYRIGHT, 1899, 

BY ADA BERTONI, 

JLOOMINGTON, ILL. 



fWOOOF^i 







•••N 



CONTENTS. 

1. Charms. 

2. One Stray Leaf* 

3. Flower Symbols. 

4. Memories. 

5. Progression. 

6. Nature's Unveiling. 

7. A Heart Echo. 

8. How to Become a Psychic. 

9. A New Year Greeting. 

10. Silver Arrows. 

11. The Plea of a Suicide. 

12. Occultism. 

13. My Paradise. 

14. Of What Does True Spiritualism Consist? 

15. The Pauper's Grave. 

16. A Christmas Reverie. 

17. When I Expire. 

18. Sacrifice. 




ADA BERTONI. 



DEDICATION. 

To the worn and weary seeker after that which 
seems for him yet is hidden beneath the appear- 
ances that blind the finer sense; to students of 
nature and lovers of the mystical side of life and 
things; to all whose leanings are toward the 
occult laws that reveal the deeper science of 
being and open up the souFs supernal realm, this 
little volume is dedicated by the author, believing 
that 

'The need of man at the present hour, 
To satisfy the soul's desires, 
Is knowledge of the magic power 
That charms, uplifts, reveals, inspires." 



CHARMS. 

The word charms, as applied in its occult sense,, 
means a great deal more than the average mind 
is capable of comprehending. 

A talisman, let it be in the shape of a lion's 
paw, or only a knot of ribbon from the ''lucky 
winner' at the race-course, is held sacred by the 
owner. 

Who does not cherish some valued possession 
as being ''lucky,'' or look askance upon some 
article that has proved a "hoodoo?" 

Why is it that certain charms will work us 
good results and others evil? Because it is the 
vibration they create in our magnetic aura. 

A curse brings evil, a blessing good. In like 
manner do we derive benefits from charms. 

The bequests of a lucky person who remem- 
bers us in their will, or otherwise, will bring 
us good conditions, but we had best rid our- 
selves of any legacies from the ill-fated and un- 
happy. 



We remember a cruel word long after it is 
spoken, and think of a kind one with pleasure, 
and the circumstances surrounding each recol- 
lection is pictured on the mirrors of our souls 
in faithful likeness and with unerring effect. 

Why is it we hesitate to pass through a 
funeral procession? Few people really know 
why, they do it because of the superstition at- 
tached. The ,real reason is, when breaking 
through a mournful procession of any kind we 
partake of the vibrations sent out by the sorrow- 
ing ones, and it has an effect. 

This is true regarding every other vibration of 
life. 

The world is made up of vibrations, and 
through the vibrant waves of sound and ether, 
many charms are worked without the magical 
accessories from the four domains of earth. 

A charm prepared by an evil mind with bad 
intent will bring the wearer misfortune unless 
he understands how to combat successfully with 
black magic. 

A charm made with good thoughts will bring 
good in its train. 

This is consistent with the laws that govern 
the Universe. 

The many hideous, foul recipes and acts of the 

12 



Black ^Magician can be counteracted by the 
worker of White Magic, which brings peace and 
blessing. 

The Red Magician deals with health, and has 
charms to prevent disease and establish har- 
monious conditions of the physical body. 

The study of charms, talismans, and pantacles 
alone is one of the most instructive and curious 
forms of magic. 

History will tell you of a vast number of 
charms used by the different races: Indian,. 
Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, Hindoo, Chinese, etc.„ 
to say nothing of the charms, symbols and occult: 
tokens used by Freemasons, Oddfellows, and 
other lodges of note throughout the world. 

There are numerical charms coupled wath 
magical letters that mean much to the initiated. 

Magical works are seven in number: Sun- 
day, ruled by the Sun and consecrated to light 
and riches; Monday, by the Moon, mystery and 
magic; Tuesday, by Mars, labor and justice; 
Wednesday, by Mercury, science and oratory, 
music and literature; Thursday, by Jupiter, to 
business, success in financial matters; Friday, by 
Venus, to friendship and love; Saturday, by Sat-- 
urn, malediction and death. 

13 



True charms are made in accordance with the 
above days and planets, and the colors, num- 
bers, letters, hours, incense and invocations 
proper for each day corresponding to the date 
of birth of the party for whom a charm is made. 

Precious stones, metals and amulets are often 
used in connection with the magical rites at- 
tending charm work, and there are certain rules 
governing such charms that must be strictly ad- 
hered to, and followed out. 

The blessed and indulgenced objects of the 
Catholic church are all true talismans. 

One such medal has become popular even 
among those devoid of religion, who suspend 
it from the necks of their children. Its figures 
are so perfectly Kabalistic that it is a marvelous 
double pantacle. On one side is the Mary of 
Christianity throned upon the world, and setting 
one foot on the head of the magical serpent. She 
extends her two hands in such a manner as to 
form a triangle of which her head is the apex; 
her hands are open and radiant, thus making a 
double triangle with all the beams directed to- 
ward the earth. On the other side is the double 
Tau of the hierophants, the Lingum with the 
double Cteis or the triple Phallus, supported 

14 



with interlaced and repeated insertions by the 
KabaHstic and Masonic M, representing the 
square between the pillars Jakin and Bohas; 
below are placed two loving and suffer- 
ing hearts, with twelve pentagrams around 
them. The wearer of this medal does 
not attach such signficance to it, but it is 
none the less magical in a double sense, and 
has a double virtue. The ecstatic on the au- 
thority of whose revelation this talisman was 
engraved beheld it existing perfectly, in the astral 
light, demonstrating the intricate connection of 
ideas and signs. 

It would take more than one large volume 
alone to enumerate the many charms of the past 
and the present, with their respective meanings 
and mode of preparation. 

It is unwise and dangerous for the uninitiated, 
nervous, unskilled and curious to meddle with 
magical charms or experiment in the realms of 
magic. An intelligent person will readily un- 
derstand why. 

Few people can realize what the various causes 
are that produce certain effects, and could not 
use magical knowledge did they possess it; and 
when I say magical knowledge, I do not mean 

15 



the usual entertainments given on a public stage 
for the benefit of a curious audience. 

We need not be ashamed to acknowledge a 
belief in charms. The greatest minds of all ages 
have had an innate respect for some article 
which they consider has brought them luck, and 
it proves a veritable talisman, when faith is joined 
to the superstitious reverence. Why? Because 
the power of faith and confidence brings vibra- 
tions that attract conditions of trust and belief. 

Only the stubborn materialist will deny the 
very forces that are a part of his own nature. 
We all have Earth, Air, Fire and Water in our 
composition, and he who is able to comprehend 
the relation we all bear to the spirits of the four 
domains and to each other, shows he has ''delved 
below the surface'' and looked into the very heart 
of God. 

We find an intimate connection between all 
forms of life, mineral, vegetable, animal. 

As a simple illustration, take the kernal of an 
English walnut, you have a miniature brain. A 
muskmelon cut in half reveals the spine and 
nerves. There are many trees, leaves, vines, 
flowers, fruits and shrubs that correspond to 
the human form in some way. Charms and 

i6 



healing amulets can be prepared from them. 

One must understand the sympathetic attrac- 
tion of plants and animals, the occult virtues of 
gems, colors and perfumes before perfect 
charms can be made that will be of lasting ben- 
efit. 

To preserve ourselves from the evil charms 
of a Black Alagician, we must forbid excite- 
ment to the imagination. If we allow ourselves 
to become nervous and excited we are open to 
the will of the powers of darkness, but if we can 
rise above our doubts and fears, our mistrust and 
anxieties, and recognize the all supreme wisdom 
in our own souls, we may counteract evil influ- 
ences and shut out the avenues of a depraved 
magnetism. 

Look around you. Do you not see everywhere 
the law of cause and effect? , Truth is hidden 
from no one. God is visible in his works. He is 
the author of nature. Faith and confidence in 
his goodness, with an affirmation of your being 
one with God, and on a plane with his intelli- 
gence and reason will bring the true light which 
is offered to us all, Hke the sun to the intuition of 
every human creature born into the world. 

If you will bring out your own individuality, 

17 



and assert your own powers of justice and rea- 
son, your own god-like attributes of heart and 
soul, your own superior intelligence of mind 
over matter, you will have no occasion to fear 
anyone, and you will love those who are deserv- 
ing of love. Your natural light will repel that of 
the wicked because it is ruled by your divine 
will. 

Weakness sympathizes with vice, and vice is a 
weakness which assumes a mask of strength; 
therefore cure your mind if it is diseased, for the 
cause of all bewitchments and sorcery lies 
therein. 

-He who possesses the grand shield of individ- 
uality, that dares to be a mountain of strength 
for himself, and who fearlessly asserts the "I 
am,'' and lives in accordance with the meaning 
of the sacred triangle (right thought, right ac- 
tion, right speech) is truly King of All, and may 
be a White Magician, performing greater won- 
ders than he himself can dream. 

The charms of nature alone are a life-long 
study. The Sun and its influence is perhaps 
the greatest charm of all. 

Oh! Glorious Sunlight! So freely given to 
the rich and poor alike, to all classes and all 

i8 



conditions, we may not understand thee, but we 
adore, and in that worship feel the presence of 
an almighty power that makes thy rays a shin- 
ing benediction. 



19 



ONE STRAY LEAF. ^ 



Purple tinted hills in evening light; m 

Mingled with rays from Luna's silver rim; 
Over a land-locked chain of bays, 

A cool breeze from the sea sweeps in. 

Two people stand together on the beach, 

Nor taking note of time; they only find 
That mother earth has gained for them new joys^ 

And all the world with sweetest hope is lined. 

He vows by the eternal hills, 

A love unchanging as the Heaven's own blue^ 
And in the quiet of the silent night, 

Gives her his solemn promise true. 

And she — well, women are prone to trust, 

xlt is their nature — they never think 
The happy love-cup with its luring draught, 
May fall and break upon the fountain's brink. 

To-night! Oh, pitying angel! 

She lives amid the haunts of shame. 
Her cheek has lost its roundness and its glow. 

She sells her soul her bread to gain. 

And he — within a crowded city's din. 

He has a home of splendor, grand and cold, 
A virtuous wife, and he a virtuous man, 

Their purity a kin to hell's fine mold. 

Well — life is life, and brief at best, 

We cannot live and leave griefs ways untrod, 

Happy indeed are those who, when they die. 
Their sorrows have not made them false to God. 



20 



FLOWER SYMBOLS. 

Flowers are the symbols of the soul. They 
are full of suggestive thoughts relative to our 
lives; each one has its own separate meaning 
and history. 

Roses for love in its dififerent degrees of in- 
tensity, speak plainly to us from the tiniest bud 
to the full blown queen of flowers. 

What grander symbols of purity and holiness 
than the liHes of the world. Our tall stately 
beauties showing forth such immaculate virtue, 
and our dearest, sweetest flowers, the lilies of 
the valley, hiding their dainty heads with such 
exquisite modesty. Who can hold a bunch of 
these beautiful treasures in their hands and not 
feel at least one tiny responsive heart throb to 
all they represent. We see in these blossoms 
the good deeds performed, though unrecorded, 
and the kind words given to help some strug- 
gling soul to better endure the adversities of life. 
We see the blessed tears of joy and gratitude 
coupled with tears of sorrow and hopelessness, 

21 



and we can understand the Christ character 
through these lovely symbols. They mean so 
much, yet are so unobtrusive and humble. We 
have a flower for every phase of life — pride, am- 
bition, success, wealth, honor, and the reverse of 
these. 

Take the well-known ''bleeding heart;" need 
we look further for a symbol which tells us of 
love betrayed, or a blighted life? The name is, 
indeed, well chosen. 

All flowers are beautiful; yet some show forth 
the bitterness of life, the vices, the crime, the 
poverty. What are called common flowers can 
sometimes teach us more than rare hot-house 
exotics. 

The dandelion, a strictly material symbol, 
shows us the steps in hfe from youth to old 
age, and also represents gold and abundance of 
this world's goods. 

The violet betokens sadness; hollihocks and 
sunflowers reveal the vanity of man. Woman's 
vanity come to us in peach and apple blossoms, 
tulips, tube-roses, and lilacs. Her love breathes 
forth from pinks, heliotropes, forget-me-nots, 
hyacinths, and pansies. 



22 



Man's love shines out in geraniums, begonias, 
magnolias, and foliage plants. 

Wit, humor, gaiety, is well exemplified by 
many of our wild flowers, our chrysanthemums 
and our peonies. We can find many illustrations 
if we take time to consider each flower. 

Not only in the flowers are our lives, thoughts 
and feelings represented, but in trees, shrubs, 
plants, vines, and weeds. These, like the flowers, 
show us our own physical and mental natures. 

If the perfume of certain flowers will produce 
certain results and if there is an herb for every 
ailment, they certainly have a bearing on our 
lives but little understood by the uninterested 
and careless observer. 

I do not believe there is any one person living 
who does not feel the beauty of a flower, if only 
in a faint measure. 

A study of the flowers as symbols brings us in 
close relation to the spiritual world. How con- 
fidingly they lift their faces to the sky, inviting 
kisses on their lips which sometimes give us 
thrills of gladness, and at other times cause us 
an unaccountable feeling of sorrow. 

What happiness for us poor mortals, if we 
can, but for a brief span of time, put away the 

23 



burdens of life and revel in the soul pleasure of 
the flowers. 

To be in harmony with the sweetness, purity 
and simplicity of this natural reHgion is to feel 
we are at one with the divine law that has given 
us the most beautiful expressions of will power 
in existence. 

How grateful we should feel to the higher 
forces that enable us to forget our cares, to put 
them all away and let the soul have its freedom 
to bring us nearer the realms of glory. 

To see God in nature is to know^ the law, and it 
helps us to live in accordance with His instruc- 
tions, and when we comprehend God's thoughts, 
fidelity is the one word that expresses our cer- 
tainty of complete and lasting happiness result- 
ing from our search into the mysteries of the 
unknown. 



24 



MEMORIES. 



Slowly the light of day is fading. 

And o'er my mind there steals a ray. 

From the twilight soft and mellow shading, 
With pictures like the dying shadows gray 
And dream of yore. 

Happier hours with youth's light shining 
Brightly through the golden skies, 

Now they come like soft winds sighing. 
And I welcome them with eyes 
Dimmed by tears. 

Fond memories have we all, tho' breathing 
Minor tones that sweep across the heart, 

Like depths from out the seawave seething 
In tides that break upon the shore and part, 
Then meet again. 

Phantoms from gloomy graves are fleeting 
With empty hands and vacant, staring eyes, 

Then merry sprites appear, greeting 
Our mystic vision with gleeful cries 
Of many happy joys. 

The tears will come to mar the brightness. 
Yet are they sweet as children's smiles 

Which flash across our minds in likeness 
To the purest thoughts of Heaven's isles 
That we can know. 

Thus our hearts forever haunted, 

Tho' ^miles may separate us from the past. 
Its ghosts forever follow us undaunted. 

And life's first steps will surely sway the last 
That we may take. 

25 



PROGRESSION. 



Friends that lived in ages long gone by^ 

Who greet us in the present, 

Impress us with a strange attraction. 

We scarce can name this power, 

We only know that soul speaks out to souL 

We stand acknowledged as a tie, 

That brings a far dim recollection 

Of other lives. 

Those in years long past 

Who reigned as Kings, 

Beggars to-day may be; 

And those who served as menials, 

May now hold sovereign power, 

Each finding his true place. 

It is the law. 

The threads we weave in this life 

Form material for the next. 

If we select perfect patterns, 

And fail to attain our heart's desires,. 

But make an earnest effort. 

We thereby have the chance 

In our next incarnation 

To gain perfection. 

If we follow low designs, 

That mark a downward course, 

We fall step by step in our rebirths,. 

Until the lowest form in nature 



26 



Would shrink to give to us expression.. 

Reach out for the good in life; 

Root out the bad. 

Let your thoughts take beautiful shapes, 

Blessing those you would affect. 

Make yourself one with the all in all. 

To those who seek the true life and live it,. 

Will be given joy unbounded; 

And best of all, a right progression; 

Making our own choice of life 

For our next existence, 

In a new form as a new soul. 



27 



NATURE^S UNVEILING. 



A keen perception, deep penetration, and har- 
monious union with occult forces, finds nature 
always unveiled. 

The senses properly developed and cultivated, 
reveal the truths of life to every searcher in close 
communication with the divine principle under- 
lying the great cause world. Nature is simple 
and confiding as a child. Her flowers look at 
us with their sweet faces, and even the delicate 
perfume of some dainty blossom breathes a ten- 
der little story all its own. Her shrubs and trees 
speak to us in many varied tones, the grass be- 
neath our feet makes response to touch and feel- 
ing, and a mere clod of dirt from the street will 
tell us volumes if we listen to its minor strain. 

I mention these things in nature which some 
^ould designate as common, yet if we can catch 
inspiration from these pages first, we shall then 
be able to look upon the higher, and come in 
touch with the one great soul of existence. 

28 



What does nature teach us as the years pass? 
To many a tragedy, others a comedy, and to a 
few she brings the enjoyment experienced by 
viewing a beautiful picture with all the lights and 
shadings artistically blended. 

As the shadows creep o'er us at eventide, we 
are rested from the day's labors, and we hear 
comforting voices that make us forget our wor^ 
ries and vexations; we drift away into quiet 
dreamland, where the departing rays of sunlight 
linger lovingly and give us hope for the mor- 
row. 

How exhilarating an evening ride, when the 
spirits of the air fill us with good thoughts and 
peaceful content. 

Those to whom nature is an open book can- 
not have aught else but grand characters; she 
produces beneficial effects upon the minds and 
lives of her children that can come from no other 
source or companionship. 

Nature in her manifold expression of life's 
emotions is the best teacher we can possibly em- 
brace if we desire to learn the workings of the 
universal law. 

One bright summer day, while strolling 
through a woodland valley I came suddenly 

29 



lupon a delightful scene that will always be a 
pleasing reflection. Beautiful beyond descrip- 
■tion was the silvery cascade that met my view, 
dashing in frolicsome glee from one rock to 
another, sparkling diamond scintillations of jubi- 
lant hope through radiant colors of brilliant Hght, 
which flashed along its boisterous crest, and sang 
rapturous melodies of wild delight, holding me 
spellbound. The thrilling cadence of the low, 
soft undertones mingling again with spontane- 
ous bursts of joy, now rising higher and higher, 
then back again to sweet repose, brought an in- 
describable sense of comfort to my troubled mind. 
I gazed in silent admiration, with a prayer in 
my heart, to the God that spoke to me through- 
out these musical waters of enchantment. To the 
Almighty One who appealed to my senses from 
the very depths of the huge rocks o'er which the 
"white spray struck resonant notes I made 
silent supplication, and while thus entreating 
came these words in firm, ringing tones: ''To all 
vvho see and know me as I am, and recognize 
this power within themselves, will I bestow 
blessings innumerable, happines complete.'' 

On another memorable day in early spring, 
the woods again afforded me ample subjects for 

30 



studying the ways, laws and uses of the true 
divinity. 

Near the spot selected for contemplation I saw 
a bunch of violets ; dear, sweet little harbingers 
of love, bearing messages from the Master Mind, 
their roots kept alive through the cold winter 
months, now gave evidence of a kind and loving 
care. As they looked up at me so modestly I 
questioned them thus : 'Tell me, little treasures, 
^vhat do you bring me to-day, words of cheer- 
fulness, or will you speak in mournful meas- 
ures?" 

I listened attentively, using my soul's power of 
discernment, and presently their little voices 
sounded in chorus: ''We are two weeks old 
to-day, but we will not live in these woods longer 
than to-morrow. A pretty maiden will come for 
us, and take us to her home, there to grace her 
table and give out our share of pleasure to ob- 
servant ones. We will be admired, perhaps 
caressed by gentle hands, and we will see strange 
new things undreamt of in these quiet woods; 
then just as we think we are beginning a new 
era in life, our strength will fail us, we will grow 
faint and wither, and be thrown in the street, 
to mingle again with the dust of the Earth. We 

31 



will not complain, we may combine with the soil 
once more and help nourish some grand flower^ 
destined to a higher life than ours, and we will 
be happy, for God's ways are our ways." 

The greatest masterpiece in nature, the human 
form, must through habit and false ideas, be dou~ 
bly veiled, and men and women are ashamed of 
nature's best gifts. If they would do away with 
this silly modesty, and make the human form and 
its most sacred functions an object of worship 
and adoration, we would have a better, stronger, 
nobler race of people in the next generation. A 
right development of all that tends to make the 
body conform to the rules of right physical life 
will give a larger soul growth. 

If men and women would reverence the human 
form in all its purity and sweetness, thinking 
only of its magnificent uses, it would be a re- 
ligion producing much better results than the 
present old, worn out creeds that send forth 
emanations of rust and mildew. 

The physical form is made up of all the ele- 
ments in nature, and is nature's finest expres- 
sion; it should therefore be thoroughly under- 
stood and perfected, in order that the soul may 
have greater liberty. 



If people would only wake up and realize what 
might be accomplished by taking nature and all 
her manifestations as a basis for a new religion, 
follow her teachings, obey her laws, and heed 
the counsels of the inner voice speaking to them 
through this religion they would then fulfill the 
law, and there would no longer be a necessity 
of running to church half clean, and listening 
to preachers who oftentimes neglect their bodies 
at the expense of pouring out spiritual advice 
that mav possiblv exalt their hearers for the time 
being, but is of ^lasting benefit to the race m 
general. 

Is it not time to make a firm stand for the sat- 
isfying truths in nature, that we can see and 
know each day by using our good common 
sense? 

What absurdity to cling to religions that are 
only an accumulation of nonsensical trash made 
palatable through custom. 

Make nature your God and the forever burn- 
ing Hell and the harp angel Heaven will be a 
ludicrous thing of the past. You will then know 
all the pleasures of life while yet in the flesh, 
without waiting for your "just reward" through 
needless pain and suffering. 

33 



A HEART ECHO. 



The saddest and sweetest hours of life, 
Are those wherein some great good lies; 

Secured us from the bondage of a soul, 
A legacy of tears from tired eyes. 

Eyes that have long since closed in sleep, 
A soul released from weariness and pain. 

The white-rosed memory of burdens borne 
For us in duty's doleful strain, 

\ 
Stand out before us in this hour of light. 

Yet mingled with the tenderness of woe. 
Comes one great all abiding thought. 
Which through our veins an ecstasy doth flow. 

'Twas love that brought us so much good, 

Even though yielded from a grief-stormed heart; 

Love, like the Father God's divine, 
And of our lives a sacred part. 

Sacred by holiest bonds of sympathy, 
So sad, so sweet, yet what a glorious prize, 

Leading us into better paths of Knov/ledgc, 
Where nobler ways of living lies. 



34 



HOW TO BECOME A PSYCHIC. 



Clean yourself thoroughly outside and inside 
every day of your life. You will, when purified 
by soap and water, not be an easy target for dirty, 
lying, evil, earthbound spirits. 

Have you a clean body and a foul mind? Then 
go to work on the inner spiritual temple. You 
will find it a difficult task in simply controlHng 
your thoughts and compelling your tongue to 
obey you. 

Some one will say "that is nonsense, as many 
dirty foul-mouthed people are good psychics;'' 
granted, but if you want the purest and highest 
ministers from the other side you must make 
proper conditions for the same. 

If you are clean and pure in your manner of 
living, the best from spirit life will be attracted 
to you. 

Sit for development only when the mind 
is free from anxiety and there is no danger of 
interruption, making yourself absolutely passive. 
Select a certain hour for sitting every day and let 

35 



nothing interfere to prevent your daily practice 
of communing with the departed, for this you 
will certainly do if you possess clairvoyant and 
clairaudient power, and are faithful in your en- 
deavors. 

The first sight includes sparks of fire, great 
clouds of white misty appearance, large sheets 
of flame, and bodies of water. This is what 
usually comes to the majority of those gifted with 
the powder to see. Following these first sights 
come landscapes, people and views impossible of 
description, and all passes before the vision like 
one vast panorama. 

One must learn to discriminate between the 
spiritual and the material, and if one is very in- 
tuitive, he will know instantly. After the sight 
is trained carefully, it is an easy matter to ob- 
tain advice concerning your private afifairs. 
Sometimes this is presented in the shape of sym- 
bols. Those peculiarly gifted in this direction 
will get messages very readily, and are often 
clairaudient, before they can see. 

A careful and clean manner of living, with a 
strict adherence to the hours of sitting is the 
basis of becoming ''en rapport" with your spirit 
friends. 

36 



All cannot be Psychics, and all do not possess 
spiritual gifts, but every individual is the verita- 
ble owner of a soul that can be imaged unto the 
likeness of saint or devil. All may use their 
natural psychic powers if they pay attention to 
the simple laws governing their natures. 

Who has not had warnings, presentiments and 
dreams? Yet these are scofifed at by the majority 
of people, when if one would only take heed from 
these occult straws, much danger, unhappiness 
and even death could be averted. 

Volumes of proof concerning genuine spiritual 
manifestation could be produced, yet there would 
be some ignoramus to bellow forth a staunch 
denial, simply because he or she did not see and 
hear. 

If we would become psychical, we must be- 
come attuned to the harp-strings of nature. 

To lift the veil and peer into the future is the 
desire of many, the realization of few. 

One cannot enter into the full trance state, 
until he is oblivious to all outward surroundings. 

A person who reaches the first octave of the 
inner life finds the atmosphere of spirit that will 
illuminate his entire being. 



Z7 



God has given us the torch of truth, it re- 
mains for us to follow. 

Too many of the better class of mankind are 
but seeking some wonderful toys to amuse them- 
selves, rather than making personal efiforts for 
growth and enlightenment of their own souls. 

In our daily life Hes the true process of devel- 
opment. Throw off all impurities of your nature 
that retard the growth of God's love, and you 
will retain strength, and increase in beauty. 

Kill out your low thoughts, and you will find 
a divine pathway that leads from the lowest 
depths to the loftiest heights. 

By a determined will to become purer in 
tho\ight, word and deed, for every day that 
comes, by aspiring toward the good and true, by 
faith in the infinite, and that we are surrounded 
by spiritual beings who sympathize with us, and 
who will always help us when we make a right 
effort in the right direction, we learn to bring 
harmony into our lives, and strike a certain oc- 
tave of vibration that gives us spiritual power. 
We reach out into the waves of the eternal foun- 
tain of spirit. 

A spirit cannot appear in the physical body 
unless it can draw suitable material with which 

38 



to re-embody itself. Nor can a spirit manifest 
mentally without suitable material from mental 
conditions. 

Some individuals live like beasts, and still ex- 
pect to be spiritual in intellectuality without any 
change of life. 

As our minds expand spiritually, and as we 
live pure and true to the higher light within, 
we may ascend to the loftier eminences, and 
our range of vision is correspondingly enlarged. 

When you go into the silence, you must con- 
centrate on some one thought, or a pleasing pic- 
ture. A glass of water answers the same purpose 
as a magic globe. 

Twenty-five minutes each day is long enough 
for the first tw^o months. If one grows nervous 
and excitable within that time they should dis- 
continue the sitting. It is an excellent plan 
to sit with lights from glass globes of your astral 
colors. A dim light is best to commence with, 
and it is well to address invocations to good and 
high spirits. Music and incense creates a glow 
of sympathy and love that is food for the soul. 

By sitting in the silence each day, you will 
have a chance to find out many things concern- 
ing yourself and your own life that has been a 

39 



mystery to you, even though you do not use the 
''wireless telegraphy'' which enables you to com- 
municate with the denizens of the ethereal world. 

If, after a three months' fair trial, you get no 
results, QUIT! Turn your attention to what 
you will succeed in, let it be washing dishes or 
chopping wood. 

Don't waste your energies in a wrong direc- 
tion. If you cannot be a Pyschic, there are 
many other far more desirable vocations in life. 
Take what is best suited to you, that you can 
best succeed in and follow it persistently; that 
is better than wasting time on what cannot be 
accomplished. 



40 



A NEW YEAR GREETING. 



Swiftly the old year 
Makes way for the new; 
Peace to the old dream, 
Success to the new. 
Let thoughts of the stars, 
Gleaming bright from the past, 
Lend a radiant hope 
To the future you cast. 

Smiles for the new year. 
Sighs for the old. 
Cheers for the joy day. 
Tears for the cold, 
Dark hours in the old year. 
From the night of its woes, 
Greet the bright forms that rise, 
And conquer your foes. 

The notes that you strike 
On life's key-board of fate. 
Responses will bring 
Like sounds that you make. 
If the tones of your life 
Chord with God's music grand. 
Blessings will come to you 
From out the better land. 

41 



SILVER ARROWS. 

How little real charity there is in the world t 
A great many people GIVE to look generous 
in the eyes of beholders; some give for the 
recompense they expect to receive; others give 
— then talk about it for seventy or eighty years, 
if they live that long. Few give in secret and 
silence, very few. 



How queer the people are! So many worship- 
ing at the shrine of Mammon! The rich build 
fine churches to show how pious they are; send 
money to the ''heathen" and let their own poor 
starve to death. 



Christ never attended church, never wrote a 
sermon, never ''got religion," never went 
through a course of study in divinity halls or 
otherwise. Wonder what he thinks of all the 
different creeds, isms, osophies and ologies. 



To do one's duty every day is the foundation 
of a good life. You serve the Creator when you 
feed the birds that sing about your doorway. 
When you feed the half-starved dogs and cats. 



42 



that pay you an occasional visit. You are feed- 
ing souls, remember. Dogs and cats have far 
more intelligence sometimes than the two-legged 
animals they live with. 



The influence we each exert over one another 
bears fruit in some way. We cannot guard our 
thoughts and lips too closely. 



Never tell people anything they can't stand. 



Always give the God-life one more chance to= 
develop in something better, no matter where 
you find it. 



All the pleasures in life are good if not abused. 
He who stands upon a narrow platform built 
after one set pattern, with no prospect of its ever 
changing into a broader, firmer foundation will 
never get out of the ''mushroom" state. We 
must understand life and all classes of people 
thoroughly before we are able to judge impar- 
tially. 



If we hold to the good alone, good will surely 
come to us. We bring to ourselves what we 



43 



really are, and by our course of life the soul will 
find its right abode when through with the body. 



What magnificence and splendor at the'Tunch 
and Judy" shows. Somebody pulls a wire and 
all the puppets smirk, and scrape and bow and 
dance, and flash millions of costly jewels in each 
other's eyes, smile and scrape some more, hating 
the very ones they bow lowest to, thinking some 
foul thought to blight, — nothing really pure but 
the lovely flowers, and they must be disgraced by 
such nonsensical shams. I beHeve they call it 
society. 



Dream not of great things to do by and by, 
but do what you have the genius and talent for 
right now. Our to-days make the future bright 
or dark, according to the seed we sow. 



If you have more of this world's goods than 
your neighbors and friends, you need give your- 
self no important airs. True worth speaks for 
itself. Take good fortune calmly, you are liable 
to lose it all in a day. Riches profit us nothing; 
honors are but empty shells. Love is the all of 
life. 

44 



We borrow strength from our sorest trials. 



A kind hearted, generous, sympathetic pros^ 
titute is much better than a virtuous woman who 
takes dehght in scandalous and malicious gos- 
sip, who is deceitful and treacherous to her 
friends and whose soul resembles the taste of a 
green persimmon. There are many worse things 
in the world than promiscuous cohabitation. The 
pure act of itself is the world's greatest physical 
enjoyment, and only those who are mismated, 
passionless, unsexed or impotent will deny the 
statement. Without the use of the sexual organs 
we w^ould have no people on earth, or angels in 
heaven. 

Sexual intercourse when rightly indulged in 
is a much lesser evil than mistreating and starv- 
ing dumb brutes. 

Beating helpless children is a greater crime 
than coition. 

If the old days of Phallic worship should come 
back, some of our very nice people could not 
survive the shock. We must not speak or write 
of these ''awful things." They are not ''decent,'' 
you know. 

Ah, me! We are so very pure! 
45 



BE WHAT YOU ARE! Live up to your 
Tiighest aims and ambitions. Don't try to live 
some other person's life for them, but live out 
your own, and do it the best you can. 

Build on dry land, and when you reach the 
rivers and mountains you will have strength to 
'Cross and to climb. 



The hardest lesson in life is to learn to wait 
patiently. We learn this lesson sometimes 
through blinding tears, while the heart throbs 
sadly o'er vanquished hopes. Yet is there joy 
in each mournful measure of time, for through 
siififering we grow into higher altitudes of no- 
biHty. If the sun shone always, earth would be 
robbed of half its beauty. 



What is the use to ''fret and fume?" It takes 
the fragrance out of one's life, and leaves only 
weeds, when a cheerful disposition would cause 
flowers to bloom. 



Just one smile or thoughtful act bestowed upon 
a little child is doing some good. 

It is useless to pray to God day after day in a 



46 



half-hearted manner, and useless to pray at all 
unless our whole soul looks up to him in adora- 
tion and earnest faith. It is not necessary to 
get down on your knees and make lengthy ex- 
hortations. If you walk along tne street and feel 
a sincere gratitude to your Creator for the air 
you breathe, for your straight limbs, your eye- 
sight, for the beauties of nature you behold all 
about you, that is better than going through pre- 
scribed forms of prayer which is not only harm- 
ful, but injurious, for it cramps the soul as well 
as the body. 



Standing in front of a florist's window were 
two boys, both poor and ill-clad. One admired 
the beauties within, the other did not, and spoke 
thus to his companion, who stood silently drink- 
ing in the sweetness and delicacy of form and 
coloring: ''Oh! come on, you can't have them 
things, and I wouldn't want 'em anyhow, they 
hain't no good." The boy whose soul had feast- 
ed on the dainties exposed to view said slowly: 
"1 don't want 'em, Tom; it's enough just to 
look at 'em. I walks by here reg'lar just for a 
sight of 'em, and it does me just as much good 
as if they was mine." 

47 



Here is a lesson in itself and we are never poor 
if we have the richness of soul to appreciate beau- 
tiful things, even though we may not possess 
them. 

Many who own millions are poorer than the 
man who stops on the street, shovel in hand, to 
listen to the song of some happy bird — perhaps 
trilled forth at that moment to bring a gleam of 
hope to his weary mind. 



The liberty to go higher than we are is given 
only when we have fulfilled the duty of the pres- 
ent sphere. 



The storms of adversity, like the storms of the 
ocean, arouse the faculties and excite the inven- 
tion, prudence, skill and fortitude of the voyager. 



The man w^ho loses his courage, loses all. No 
matter how poor he may be, how much deserted 
by friends or lost to the world, if he keeps his 
courage, holds up his head, works with his hands, 
and with unconquerable will determines to be 
and to do what becomes a man, all will be well. 
It is nothing outside of him that kills, but what 
is within that makes or unmakes. 

48 



If in this world one heart beats with a love 
true and steadfast, changeless and faithful for 
you, guard it well, for you could not be blessed 
with aught sweeter or fairer through all eternity. 



There are many precious gems of spiritual 
beauty that find expression in our way of doing 
and manner of speaking, and though we may not 
always select the best, each one counts, and helps 
fill out the eternal figures in God's account. If 
we let our hearts go out to others in love, 
kindness and unselfishness, even to those from 
whomi we have received unkind treatment, we 
add the rarest jewel of all to our immortal crown. 



49 



THE PLEA OF A SUICIDE. 



Great God! Why should we live? 
And why rejoice at birth of babes? 
Rather let tears be shed! 
They sob and cry, and beat the empty air 
As if they see the strife before them; 
Poor little innocent helpless babes, 
Moaning and wailing everywhere. 

v^A little while as children 
We laugh and sigh o'er joys and hurts 
And fancied woes, and broken toys, — 
For a time are happy; a mother's love 
Shields us from all danger, and gives 
When blest by deep sincere affection 
The dearest truth of life's best joys. 

A few more years, then we as lovers 
Beguiled by sweet low whisperings, 
Surround ourselves with all the flowers 
Of beauty, that bud and bloom and grow 
Into the thing called love; 
Then wile away an hour by breaking vows. 
And burning letters, lest the world may know. 



50 



What do we as a people? 

We rush, and push, and crowd and hurry by, 

Who cares if you or I fall in the race? 

So soon forgotten! Yes, all too soon 

Some one is found to take our place. 

Hearts and souls like the crackle of dead leaves. 

For one God clothes, a thousand Satan sheathes. 

A corpse the final ending 
Of babes — children — lovers — people — all. 
Preachers and Priests may chant their requiems 
O'er bit of bone and dust, the gloomy pall 
Of awe engulfs us still. We know not 
Who, or what we are, or may be by and by, 
We are born, we cry, laugh, suffer, then we die. 



51 



OCCULTISM. 



The religions of the world from time immem- 
orial have all contained a certain vein of occult- 
ism in different degrees of expression. The sim- 
ple act of prayer constitutes the elevating of 
one's thoughts to occult power. 

.Ministers of the gospel all endorse the idea 
that faith and earnest prayer will bring us what 
we desire, and this alone is a grain of occultism; 
yet there is a strong denunciation against occult- 
ism by many church members and pastors, who 
do not seem to comprehend that the basis of 
their own religion is an occult one. 

There is good in all religions and religious 
sects, but they are as a rule too narrow; they 
hold to the one idea of their faith, often casting 
slurs on all other organizations, ridicuhng what 
they do not understand. 

People who sneer at the manifestations of oc- 

52 



cult power are pitifully ignorant, for it is the 
very life-principal itself. 

Those who laugh at occultism and call it an 
absurdity are strictly material in every way, and 
should they chance to behold some wonderful, 
genuine occult sight, would immediately seek 
out a doctor to have their brains tested. 

Another fault with the world religions now 
existing, and for centuries back, is this: A 
great "ado'' is made over ''the tortured, bleeding 
Christ;" they draw fearfully upon the imagina- 
tion as to his ''terrible sufifering and death 
agony." 

Christ was a purely spiritual man. He was 
in perfect harmony wnth the Divine God, and 
nothing could injure him. 

Why should a few nails and a crown of thorns 
hurt one so far above physical sufifering as Jesus? 

The belief that he endured so much agony is 
inconsistent with true religious ideas. 

History tells us of martyrs who died at the 
stake with faces radiantly beautiful, their voices 
raised in happy song. They did not sufifer phy- 
sically because their mentality ruled. But the 
Christ must needs be pictured out with that 
woeful, heart-rending expression, when the fact 

53 



is he experienced no pain whatever from a phy- 
sical standpoint. 

His death is a symbol of what we may do il 
we can lead the Christ life. We may become so 
spiritualized that red-hot irons burned in the 
flesh will cause us no torture. 

Christ's life and death is an example of the 
real vs. the unreal. 

Few are capable of attaining the position 
Christ held. Men have lived before and since 
Christ's time possessed of the same spirituality, 
and it rests entirely with us whether we shall 
have power in proportion to Christ, or be ruled 
by the lower influences. 

Occultists all know and understand what the 
forces are that make our existence one of bliss or 
one of torment. 

As we place ourselves in condition to battle 
with the evil elements, we will eventually by 
victorious combat, rise sublime to the highest 
communications with souls who will help us on- 
ward and assist us in working out the law of life 
to our complete satisfaction. We not only in- 
crease our individual joys, but we help others 
into the light, and therein lies a happiness impos- 
sible of realization by the selfish, earthly soul. 

54 



All have a chance of salvation, and all receive 
their reward regardless of religion, creed, color, 
seXj nature, race, country or belief. All receive 
Heaven and Hell according to the desires and 
aspirations of their mind and natures. 

The truth of all is here about us. 

The occult powers of the world he hidden in 
the tiniest bud that comes forth in the spring- 
time to give us greeting of everlasting life. 

''AH bloom is fruit of death, 
Creation's soul thrives from decay, 
And nature feeds on ruin; the big earth 
Summers in rot, and harvests through the frosts, 
To fructify the world; the mortal now 
Is pregnant with spring-flowers to come; 
And death is seed-time of eternity." 

Master the flesh, it perishes into nothingness. 
Feed the soul, it lives forever if we but will it so. 

Seeking out the good and following the inner 
teachings of the ''Evestra," we find ourselves one 
with the great occult law, and draw unto our- 
selves success, love and peace. 



55 



MY PARADISE. 



Love with its sweetness, 

Sensation, emotion, 
Love that fears nothing. 

That burns with devotion; 
This is God's message 

To your heart and mine, 
Sent by His angels, 

To brighten the time. 

Time of vow's breathing 

A music celestial, 
As close to each bosom 

Securely we nestle. 
Ah! Sweetheart, Darling, 

Our Heaven is near us. 
Rapture eternal! 

The Saviour is with us. 



56 



OF WHAT DOES TRUE SPIRITUALISM 
CONSIST? 



Not in ''rappings/' ''table tippings/' and other 
physical manifestations of magnetic power given 
through the agency of sham magical workers; 
nor in the belief of what the name Spiritualism 
implies. 

True Spiritualists are found among all classes. 
He who does right and lives true to himself and 
his God, from day to day has the gift of spiritual- 
ity largely developed in his nature, and needs 
no cabinet ''shows" to convince him of spiritual 
presence. 

All the clever work given by pretended medi- 
ums has its genuine phase, and what takes place 
now as "fraud'' will be a truth when people are 
fit to receive it. We are but learning our A, B, 
C's of spiritual knowledge. What do we poor 
infants know of the great possibilities of the 

57 



spirit even on our little Earth, when we think of 
Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and other inhabited 
planets? 

The people are not ready for spiritual phenom- 
ena as it should be given, but must take what 
they themselves create through their own desires, 
and then they cry "fraud'' and weep over their 
lost dollars, when the fact is they have been dealt 
with far too leniently. 

When people give up Spiritualism because 
their idols have been shattered, and the veil of de- 
lusion torn from their eyes, they are not true 
Spiritualists. They have but lived in the sense 
realm, neglecting the truths of their own natures 
in the vain endeavor to see and hear something 
marvelous and astounding. They trample on the 
blossoms about their own doorways, and then 
have the courage to assert that there is no such 
thing as flowers. 

The following embraces thoughts from the 
very highest sources as to the philosophy of true 
SpirituaHsm : 

There is an atmosphere of soul, as well as an 
atmosphere of nature. In the atmosphere of the 
soul God sometimes brings down the divine land- 
scape, heavenly truths, so clearly that the soul 

58 



rests upon them as upon a picture let down. 

Out of the dust and din and mist of observa-^ 
tions of Hfe, there come moments when God per- 
mits us to see in a second, further, wider and 
easier, than by ordinary methods of logic we can 
see in a whole life-time. Do I undervalue logic 
when I say that it is inferior to intuition? Intui- 
tion when at white heat teaches a man in a sin- 
gle moment more than logic ever teaches him. 
Logic constructs the walls of thought, throws up 
ramparts and lays out highways, but it never 
discovers. Logic merely builds, fortifies, de- 
marks — the discovering power is intuition. 

There are certain times when parts of the 
mind lift themselves up with a kind of celestial 
preparation, and we see, think and feel more in 
a single hour, than ordinarily we do in a whole 
year, and however useful and needful reasoning 
may be as compared with these sudden insights, 
it is scarcely to be mentioned with respect. 

In a great measure we are under the influence 
of the things which are seen. In our lower life 
we must be under the influence of sense, but now 
and then, we know not how, we rise into an at- 
mosphere in which spirit, life, God, Christ, the 
ransomed throng in heaven, virtue, truth, faith 

59 



and love become more significant things to us, 
and seem to rest down upon us with more force 
than the very things which our physical senses 
recognize, and these expressions are the links 
that help us into the higher life. 

Every man has a judgment seat in his own 
soul. The recording angel is there also. Con- 
^science is Judge, reason is Judge, truth is Judge. 

Thoughts, affections, plans accompany souls 
into future worlds, each there gravitates to his 
own plane. This life determines the next state 
*of existence. The Divine Law by which individ- 
uals are judged is not penned in Vedas or Upin- 
'ishads, in old or new Testaments, but mapping 
the universe is written in ineffaceable lines of 
light by the breath of the eternal upon man's 
mental and moral constitution. The highest, the 
only supreme authority is the voice of God in 
the soul. 

All being divine in the innermost have a dim 
consciousness of the good, the just, the right. In 
the infinite administration the scales of justice 
balance. 

The thief sees after a time that he has stolen 
Irom himself. The deceiver, that he has deceived 
himself. The slanderer discovers that his poi- 

60 



soned javelins return to pierce his own heart. 
All learn that what they throw out returns with 
increased interest. 

Feelings, thoughts, deeds are from the inner 
life and are eternal in their effect. Each sweet 
hope cherished is an immortal flower. Every ill- 
purpose conceived is a poisonous breath that 
lives to blight. Our thoughts, aims, plans, are 
carved upon our spiritual natures. 

As our woven web here, so the garment over 
there. 

A change of clothing or of place does not 
change character. Entrance into the future 
world of Spirit will no more afifect the moral 
tendencies of the soul than a voyage across the 
Pacific to California would transform a thief 
into a saint. All grow to be angels by degrees,, 
and Spiritualism is one safe and sure road for 
substantial soul development. 

Spiritualism invites the children of earth ta 
daily walk the mounts of beautitude, and com- 
mune with the transfigured who softly glide 
along the summer land-slopes of eternal prog- 
ress. 

It extends the hands of angels who talk of love 
and sing of a high birth, it wipes the tears of 

6i 



sorrow from weeping eyes, breathes the sweet 
breath of tenderness into starving souls, and 
sweeping away the Hngering clouds of death, bids 
all God's dear humanity tread the pearl-paved 
paths traversed by triumphal armies of heaven. 

Oh! how refreshing burdened with cares and 
crosses, to catch occasional breezes from Eden- 
lands, and songs of encouragement from im- 
mortalized hosts of reformers, martyrs, apostles, 
prophets ! 

Lifting the glass of memory and reverting 
backward it reveals the eternal purpose of good 
from seeming evil, of sorrow blossoming into 
5oys, and tears crystalized into pearls of match- 
less brilliancy. 

Musical with the love-ministry of angels, it is 
a perpetual baptism, a continual regeneration, a 
'succession of higher births, and endless privi- 
leges, the strength of the weary, the balm of 
healing for the sick, the consolation of the 
dying, the comfort of the mourner, and the 
sweetest answer to prayer. 

True Spiritualism incites unflinching action on 
the plane of moral principle, renders one smypa- 
thetic and rational and subjecting the passions 
to wisdom and virtue, it awakens holy emotional 

62 



affections rooted to God. It induces fidelity to 
promise and abounds in charity. 

'There is a grandeur in the soul that dares live out 
All the life God lit within; 
That battles with the passions hand to hand 
And wears no mail and hides behind no shield! 
That plucks its joy in the shadow of death's wing, — 
That drains with one deep draught the wine of life, 
And that with fearless foot and heaven-turned eyes, 
May stand upon a dizzy precipice 
High o'er the abyss of ruin, 
And not fall. 



63 



THE PAUPER'S GRAVE. 



There are no friends to mourn the loss 

Of the miserable pauper. None 

To give a farewell glance 

Of broken-hearted sorrow, 

None to watch the cof^n on the way 

To its last resting-place. 

But there is one who mourns 

With grief o'erwhelming and unspeakable, — 

He gives no sigh, nor does he weep 

One single tear. But he it was 

Who shared the pauper's crust; 

A poor old mongrel dog. 

His head is bent as if to listen, 

He hopes to hear his master's voice again, 

And wonders why he's left behind. 

The night comes on, yet still 

He watches by the silent grave, 

He hears no more the voice 

That miade life sweet to him. 

He throws himself upon the fresh-piled heap, 

64 



And with despairing cries of anguish, 
In dismal howl calls back the dead. 

Costly monuments may tell the worth 

Of those gone on, of those who still remain, 

Yet none can boast of a fidelity 

Truer than had the pauper, whose dog 

Starves and dies upon his grave. 

Who asks for more than this? 

Not you! Not I! 

For well we know, scarce one 

Who bears the shape of human, 

Will give to us such genuine 

Honest, faithful and sincere devotion. 



65 



A CHRISTMAS REVERIE. 



How many varied and conflicting thoughts 
we have at Christmas time! Many of us look 
back over the past, and allow ourselves retro- 
spective moods both pleasant and painful. We 
sigh over much, we rejoice over little, and thus it 
is with each succeeding Christmas. We draw 
comparisons with this day and its yearly pre- 
decessors, and Oh! God above us! how many 
black lines stretch out over the gray seas of our 
yesterdays! Few golden horizons greet our 
view, and fewer still the blending of perfect rain- 
bow colors. 

Would that we all had more rainbows and less 
storm-clouds in our lives! 

It seems such a difficult undertaking to live 
sometimes just one short year. We think, what 
is the use? Can we go on with so many dis- 
agreeable realities staring us in the face? Yet 

66 . 



live on we do, and the Christmas day comes 
'round again and here we are, with the same 
greetings on our Hps, the same customs as of 
yore prevaiHng. 

But what of the inner Hfe? Has it changed 
for the better? Have we since last Christmas 
brought one Soul nearer the knowledge and 
understanding of the great Over-Soul? Have 
we led the Hfe and helped others to lead the life 
which makes us merry and glad that one more 
Christmas is ours to enjoy? If so, then we have 
acted out the true Christ principle. 

Christmas is a time of rejoicing, but my 
thoughts take a mournful trend, — instead of a 
glad outpouring of praise and thankfulness for 
Christmas and its real significance, my pen must 
be dipped into the lees of infelicity. I see the 
drawn, hungry faces, of poor half-starved creat- 
ures, who number up into the millions in this 
BOUNTIFUL land of America; I hear the 
groans and stifled sobs from those who are weary 
and disappointed with the griefs this old earth 
holds for them. Christmas may come and go, 
what matters it to them? Only one day more or 
less, that is all. And can you wonder at it? Take 
for example the seamstress in a large city who 

67 



works for a mere pittance, see her marble-like 
face! She works and waits amid haunting shad- 
ows of better days. Through the cold midnight 
she wearily plies the needle that grows hot in 
her feverish fingers — often cursing the one whose 
garment she works upon. Swiftly, swiftly let the 
needle fly, ere the vital spark departs! At last 
fate is merciful, life is ended! 

God protect all of us from the heart that break- 
ing yet beats on! 

Who can tell the story of a life gone out 
through the soundless waters and endless sway- 
ing of a soul-cutting thread? And how many of 
tliis class are living to-day, — living? — ^well, per- 
haps you might call it that. 

We sometimes speak of the Hell of Dante, but 
he who walks through civilization's shambles 
needs no fantastical poetical pictures to teach 
him terror. 

The favored ones of earth will no doubt enjoy 
what is termed 'The Happy Christmas Tide,'^ 
but what of the poor outcasts? No hope or joy 
for them! Rank poisonous weeds are growing 
in the garden of souls where once the daintiest 
flowers bloomed. Some one is to blame for this. 
Some one is to blame for their sad mistakes. Will 

68 



I 



that some one remember on this ''glad day of the 
year" to bring back into their lives one strain of 
the old forgotten melody that long ago filled 
their hearts to overflowing with joy and happi- 
ness? 

White lips are gasping for breath, and trem- 
bling out the fragment of a prayer perhaps 
learned at a loving mother's knee,— waiting, 
longing to die. Must they smile and be gay 
when they are living this uncofifined and unbur- 
ied death? 

Life for them is but a poor promise, heavy to 
bear,— heavy with reeking, human blood. They 
know the sins of untrue hearts, but prayers and 
tears will not avail to bring back sweet hope and 
pure love, and they welcome death to bind up 
the broken chords, and to the heavenly music of 
a great hope, beat sublimer airs. 

So much of sadness, sorrow, poverty and sin 
reigns in the world to-day it is almost a mockery 
to say 'The Blessed Christmas/' for it is more 
cursed than blessed. 

Those who have merry hearts and genuine 
feelings of unalloyed bliss at this time are greatly 
in the minority. This is true the world over. 
Few, yes, very few, but feel the shadows creeping 

69 



through the sunlight of the day's festivities. 
Shadows of broken dreams, flowers that will 
never bloom again for us — dead faces, dead 
hopes. 

Yet why think of all these gloomy things? Did 
not Christ die to redeem a world? Very well, 
then, how wrong to look into the dark corners 
and the hidden by-ways. No use to make our- 
selves unhappy, we are all saved. 

In many of our churches today, eloquent 
sermons and magnificent word-paintings will go 
out to exalt the hearers, and the basis of the dis- 
courses will generally be Christ and his sacrifice 
for us. 

If Christ died for us and is our redeemer, we 
need have no alarm concerning the unfortunate. 

But Christ did not die for us. He did not want 
to go. He was the victim of circumstances, just 
the same as many agonized souls who exist on 
this planet at the present time. His murder will 
never sweep away the drifts that bar the doors 
of down-trodden humanity, nor because he is 
supposed to have been born on Christmas day, 
will hearts that ache with their burdens grow 
lighter. 

While Christ's life is an excellent example to 

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I 



pattern from, where one cannot think deep 
enough for himself, I would not advise anyone to 
accept without study, the general plan of salva- 
tion, for it is absurd in the extreme. 

We should make a solid foundation for our- 
selves, and not thrust so much on the shoulders 
of "The Man of Sorrows," who, I think, has quite 
enough to bear. 

How^ many converts to the different religions 
of the world have laid all their sins ''at the feet 
of Jesus," and how many milhons of souls have 
''cast their burdens upon him." What a fearful 
responsibility! It seems rather ridiculous, this 
"taking it all to Jesus," and his spirit being al- 
ways present with us. What a herculean effort 
to be so many different places at so many differ- 
ent times. 

I do not wish anyone to think less of the Christ 
Jesus; he will be a grand example through all 
time and eternity, but instead of laying so much 
stress upon his redeeming the world, his death 
and resurrection, we should look more to the 
underlying truths set forth in his life that will 
make of us a Christ unto ourselves, and we may 
then be our own redeemer. 



71 



Give thanks, my soul! the holy Christmas time 
Rings with the joy of silver chant and chime, 
The glorious mystery we celebrate 

Keepeth the years sublime! 

Sublime, despite our sinful fallen state; 
Despite the bitter leaven of wrong and hate, 
Despite the endless feuds, the griefs and tears 
That darken human fate! 

Break, glorious morning of the promised time, 
When greed strikes hands no more with shame and 

crime; 
Rise with the dawning of the golden years, 
When heart to heart in rhyme 

Beats in divine accordance, that pour 
Theio^mellow jubilance from shore to shore, 
And sin and pain, and weary doubts and fears, 
Trouble the world no more. 



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WHEN I EXPIRE. 



No lachrymosal drops for me 
When I go into space; 
No flowers, please, when I am dead 
'Twined roundabout my face. 

Cry for me now, if you cry at all. 
For life is sometimes rough. 
And give me flowers now, my friends, 
To avoid the state called "tough." 

Box me up in a simple case, 
Enshroud me as you will. 
But keep me out of the mouldy ground,. 
Of dirt I've had my fill. 

No sermon preached, or words of praise 
Rehashed o'er my dead form; 
Let some one sing a merry air 
From love and gayety born. 

Or play some cheerful melody, 
To send me on my quest 
In search of future happiness 
And "mansions of the blest." 

Perchance to Sheol I may go; — 
Cremate me, please, and see 
That my ashes to the winds are thrown. 
My soul will then be free. 



n 



SACRIFICE. 



We speak the words so often of complaint, 

And harbor thoughts that bear against our fate 

With life and all it holds. 

At times we shrink with fear, and tremble 

With a dread of future woes. 

And that alone will bring misfortune's foes; 

Whispering, "It is too late, 

Too late for our retrieving 

The past, and all its grieving 

Sorrow, misery and doubt, 

And all the vexing blunder 

That we have brought about. 

We are unmindful of the joy-bells ringing, 

We do not hear the sweet birds singing 

In cheering tones, that ring from higher planes. 

And oftentimes we fail to catch the music, 

A spirit friend is sounding. 

Through nature's varied strains. 

Let our souls extract the essence 
From those who haunt our presence, 
Give heed unto their councils sweet. 



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We may thereby gain a crown, 
Making joys of others our renown^ 
And on this earth reward will meet. 

Those who look upon the bonds of sacrifice 
As dearest hopes in life's strange pathway, 
Must pain and sorrow know; 
But they possess the keynote of life's harmony,. 
Drink deepest of that blest eternal fountain 
Wherein life's priceless treasures flow. 

The untried strings no music brings, • 
ijfhe untried life no triumph sings, 
We do not know the meaning of real living- 
'Til we are like the ocean in its course, 
Mingling with: streams from every source, 
And from our hearts is true unselfish giving.. 



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AUG 2 1899 



